Kabale Shuts Three Iron Ore Plants Over Dust Pollution, Environmental Violations

Kabale District authorities have closed three iron ore crushing plants over alleged environmental violations and operating without proper licenses. The affected companies—Shivaji Minerals Innovation, Abbysiniya Company, and Bachwe General Services Company—were ordered to halt operations following multiple complaints from residents about excessive dust emissions and related health and environmental risks. The plants are located within a residential area, where community members say the activities have severely disrupted their daily lives.

During an enforcement operation on Thursday, district officials, backed by police, escorted company representatives to nearby police stations to record statements as part of ongoing investigations. Authorities also removed number plates from vehicles found at the sites to prevent further operations while inquiries continue. Residents, including Byamukama Derrick, Justus Muhwezi, Sylvia Tusiime, and Elizabeth Orishaba, reported that iron ore dust had settled on their homes, contaminated the environment, affected livestock, and exposed people to potential respiratory and other health problems.

Kabale District Natural Resources Officer Henry Tumwesigye Kamutooro said the crackdown followed a broader environmental and social compliance monitoring exercise launched in response to persistent community concerns. He explained that the district acted to safeguard both residents and the environment, directing an immediate suspension of activities until the companies obtain all required permits and approvals. Tumwesigye emphasized that investors must adhere to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) requirements and fully implement recommended measures to reduce negative impacts on nearby communities and ecosystems.

According to Kamutooro, the closure orders will remain in force until the firms demonstrate full compliance with legal, environmental, and social safeguard standards. Investigations into their operations are still underway. The district’s action underscores mounting concern over environmental compliance in Uganda’s mining and mineral processing sector, as local governments grapple with how to promote economic development while protecting public health and the environment.

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